The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a sharp increase in Lassa fever cases in week 51 of 2023.
However, the centre disclosed a reduced fatality rate when compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year.
This information was made public on Sunday in Abuja through the official website of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The centre said that in week 51 of 2023, the number of newly confirmed Lassa fever cases increased significantly from 10 in week 50 to 26 cases.
“These cases were reported in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, and Plateau States,” it said.
“Cumulatively, from week 1 to week 51 of 2023, a total of 215 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 17.5 per cent.
“This figure is slightly lower than the record for the same period in 2022, which was 17.9 per cent.
“Throughout the year 2023, Lassa fever cases were reported in 28 states across 121 local government areas.
“The majority of confirmed cases, accounting for 77 per cent, were reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
“Specifically, Ondo State reported 35 per cent of the confirmed cases, Edo reported 28 per cent and Bauchi reported 14 per cent,” it stated.
“It said that the median age of confirmed cases was 32 years.
”The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1 and 0.9,” it stated.
The center noted a rise in the number of suspected cases in comparison to the corresponding period in 2022. Furthermore, during week 51, two healthcare workers were reported to have been affected.
In response to the situation, multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) have been mobilized at both the national level and in the affected states.
The center highlighted challenges in addressing Lassa fever, citing issues such as delayed presentation of cases, contributing to an elevated case fatality rate.
“Poor health-seeking behaviour is also observed due to the high cost of treatment and clinical management of the disease.
“Poor environmental sanitation conditions and low awareness are also observed in high-burden communities,” it stated.
The statement indicated that the report relied on case-specific data gathered from the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre.
It outlined the symptoms of the disease, encompassing fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, and chest pain.
Additionally, the statement mentioned unexplained bleeding or hemorrhage as other symptoms.